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N20bn Fundraising For Security, Infrastructure Development in Enugu
The Enugu State government has announced plans to raise billions of naira annually to fund critical security infrastructure, ensuring the state is secure for tourism, business, and investment to thrive.
The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, disclosed this on Thursday during the unveiling of a N20bn fundraising campaign for the State Security Trust Fund, held at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.
Mbah explained that the Enugu State Security Trust Fund is a public-private partnership established in response to the need to improve the security infrastructure of Enugu State while fostering development and prosperity for its residents.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, the Governor noted that “without a secure environment, his drive to grow the economy of Enugu State from $4 billion to $30 billion annually will not be achievable.”
He listed the critical security projects to be funded, which include personnel welfare, empowerment of the vigilante group, purchasing additional weaponry, CCTV system architecture, a street lighting system, purchase of security vehicles, and support for security agencies.
While stating that the entire country is witnessing multifaceted security issues, Mbah urged individuals, corporate entities, businesses, and various arms of government to support the fund.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ike Chioke, said the fund anticipates contributions of N10 billion from corporate entities, N3 billion from the state government, N3 billion from local government, and N1.5 billion from individuals and other sources.
The objective of the trust fund, Chioke said, is to create a central security coordination point, which will help strengthen the state’s security infrastructure in combating the multifaceted issues of insecurity across the region.
He stated, “This initiative is born out of the urgent need to address the security challenges that have plagued our beloved state, and it marks a significant step towards creating a safer, more prosperous, and more progressive future for all our residents. Enugu State, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah, has set a bold vision to become one of Nigeria’s top three states by Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“With an ambitious target of growing the economy from ₦4.4 billion to ₦30 billion, this vision relies heavily on attracting private sector investments and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and wealth can be created in peace.
“However, this lofty aspiration is currently hindered by significant security challenges that have posed valid concerns for residents, investors, and tourists alike. As we all know, security challenges are a barrier to progress. Over the years, Enugu, like many states in the Southeast region of Nigeria, has faced rising insecurity.
“The challenges include violent activities from separatist groups, kidnapping, armed robbery, herders/farmers conflicts, and the proliferation of small arms. Additionally, political thuggery, cultism, cybercrime, and other forms of criminal activity have compounded the insecurity, leading to economic disruptions and a general sense of fear among residents.
“These issues not only affect the daily lives of our people but also deter potential investors; this is not conducive to economic growth and social development.
“The Enugu State Government, in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while instilling confidence among the people, has inaugurated the ESSTF. This fund represents a strategic, coordinated approach to enhancing security infrastructure and ensuring that Enugu State becomes a sought-after haven for all.”
He added, “Our target is to raise ₦20 billion over the next four years, with ₦5 billion earmarked for 2024 alone. These funds will be raised in annual tranches to ensure continuous investment in security initiatives.”
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, takes over from Blessing Agbebaku, who resigned as Speaker on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
The emergence of Idiaye was said to have been influenced by the gentleman’s zoning arrangement in the Assembly, which provides that when the governor is from the Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.
Idiaye, being the oldest member from the Edo North Senatorial District, was subsequently elected Speaker.
Without the zoning arrangement, the Deputy Speaker would have automatically succeeded Agbebaku, according to the new Speaker.
Members of the Assembly were at the Government House to inform Governor Monday Okpebholo of the change in leadership.
Agbebaku was said to have resigned early on Monday following alleged moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
Reports gathered that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed a notice of impeachment on Sunday night, a development that may have prompted his resignation.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed by Ebojele, who said details of the development would be made public later.
She said, “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.”
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position.
Agbebaku stepped down on Monday amid moves by some lawmakers to impeach him.
His resignation was confirmed on Facebook by his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, who said further details on the circumstances surrounding his exit would be made public later.
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS,” she wrote.
The development has thrown the Edo State House of Assembly into a fresh leadership crisis, with lawmakers expected to determine a new Speaker.
Details shortly…
The Executive Secretary of the Igbo Oriental Think Tank, Dr. Kenneth Anozie, has highlighted the vision of Dr. Chukwuma Anyichuks Odii for Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement titled “Anyichuks Odii 2027: I Have a Dream for Ebonyi State,” Anozie compared Odii’s vision for Ebonyi with the transformational ideals associated with American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
According to the political analyst, Odii believes that Ebonyi State possesses enormous potential capable of benefiting the wider population rather than serving the interests of a few.
Anozie said Odii’s proposed agenda includes a restructuring of government to ensure equitable representation and development across the different zones of Ebonyi State.
He also listed improved infrastructure as a key component of Odii’s vision, particularly roads and other projects that would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, stimulate industrial development and create employment opportunities for youths.
The analyst further said Odii plans to make the civil service more responsive to the needs of residents, establish major healthcare centres across the state’s local government areas to help reduce child mortality, and provide extensive ICT training for young people.
Anozie said the ICT initiative could position Ebonyi as a hub for technology talent, with trained professionals able to compete for opportunities locally and internationally.
“Anyichuks has a dream. Ndi Ebonyi need to cue in to that dream for the benefits of all,” Anozie said.
He urged Ebonyi residents to pay attention to the proposed agenda and participate actively in determining the direction of the state ahead of the 2027 election.
Dr. Kenneth Anozie is the Executive Secretary of the Igbo Oriental Think Tank and a political analyst.
…Governor trounces APC’s Oyebamiji with 66,252
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Ademola Adeleke, of the Accord Party, the winner of the 2026 governorship election.
Announcing the final results, INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, the Vice- Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti declared Adeleke winner and returned him elected.
Ogunwole announced that the Accord candidate secured 511,067 while his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, recorded 444,815 votes.
Adeleke trounced his major opponent with 66,252 votes amid wild jubilation by party supporters and other residents.
Details later…
The Osun State Governor and Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has won 19 of the 30 Local Government Areas in Saturday’s governorship election, while the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, secured victory in 11 LGAs.Download Offline Maps
The results are being collated and announced, with the Independent National Electoral Commission expected to make the official declaration after the completion of the process.
Adeleke recorded notable victories across several parts of the state, including Ede South, Ede North, Osogbo, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ilesa West, Odo Otin, Egbedore and Iwo.
Oyebamiji, however, won key LGAs including Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, Obokun, Atakumosa West, Atakumosa East, Irewole, Isokan, Ola-Oluwa, Ife South and Olorunda.
The results announced so far show a closely contested election between the two major candidates, with the other candidates recording significantly lower figures in most of the LGAs.Download Interactive Maps
In Boluwaduro, Adeleke polled 7,118 votes against Oyebamiji’s 7,050. In Ede South, Adeleke secured 26,188 votes while the APC candidate scored 6,219.
Adeleke also won Ife North with 13,879 votes to Oyebamiji’s 9,613; Ilesa West with 16,196 against 12,756; Ifedayo with 7,427 against 6,836; and Ife Central with 21,171 against 15,913.
In Osogbo, Adeleke recorded 36,480 votes while Oyebamiji polled 30,474. He also won Oriade with 21,343 votes to 14,863 and Odo Otin with 18,003 votes against 15,435.
Other LGAs won by Adeleke included Ife East, where he scored 27,201 votes against Oyebamiji’s 18,600; Ifelodun, 21,107 against 18,396; Iwo, 27,085 against 19,660; Ede North, 35,427 against 10,283; Ila, 16,211 against 12,934; Ayedire, 11,073 against 9,910; Egbedore, 19,278 against 11,194; and Ayedaade, 16,681 against 15,719.Design Campaign Signs
Oyebamiji secured victories in Ilesa East with 16,208 votes against Adeleke’s 12,280; Boripe with 19,963 against 12,448; Irepodun with 15,713 against 14,504; and Obokun with 16,120 against 12,023.
He also won Atakumosa West, polling 10,037 votes to Adeleke’s 7,479; Irewole, 29,972 against 10,934; Atakumosa East, 9,936 against 7,872; Isokan, 14,063 against 13,765; Ola-Oluwa, 10,782 against 10,063; Ife South, 14,678 against 13,507; and Olorunda, 24,671 against 23,514.
The outcome places Adeleke ahead in the overall LGA tally, although the final result remains subject to the completion of the official collation and declaration by INEC.
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